After a wrist injury forced him to abandon a promising career in IT, 24-year-old Nguyen Tuong Quynh from Hue found a new path in English teaching. The MA TESOL program, jointly offered by VNUK and Nottingham Trent University (NTU), with a total tuition fee of under £10,000, helped Quynh transform his passion into a sustainable profession. More than just a degree, the program gave him a truly inspiring international study experience where every lecture contributed to his personal and professional growth.

Image 1: Quynh checks in at Nottingham Trent University, marking the beginning of his international education journey

When One Door Closes, Another Opens

Before becoming an IELTS instructor, Quynh studied Information and Communication Technology. However, a wrist injury forced him to pause his career in IT and face what seemed like a dead end.

“After leaving the IT industry due to my wrist injury, I was deeply discouraged. Teaching English brought me back to life—it reignited my joy and passion. After more than three years of teaching, I wanted to pursue it seriously, professionally, and sustainably,” Quynh shared.

Those three years of dedicated teaching inspired him to take a bold step forward: pursuing a master’s degree to become a lecturer, work towards a PhD, and sustainably develop his own language center.

Studying in the UK with Affordable Tuition

Quynh considers enrolling in the MA TESOL program—a joint program between VNUK and NTU—as one of his best decisions. The total tuition fee is £9,000, payable in two installments. The first payment of £2,500 is made to VNUK for the initial three months of study in Da Nang, while the remaining £6,500 is paid when transitioning to NTU in the UK.

“What I appreciated was that the tuition is split into installments, which makes it easier to manage financially. Studying the first three months in Vietnam also helps save a lot on living costs before moving to the UK. Compared to average tuition fees in the UK, this program is quite affordable,” Quynh explained.

Image 2: Experiencing a multicultural, diverse learning environment in the UK

The program’s structure is particularly flexible—three months in Vietnam, six months in the UK, and a final three months writing the dissertation in either country. This gives students time to adapt to new teaching methodologies before fully immersing themselves in the international phase.

Living Costs in Nottingham: Budget-Friendly

In addition to tuition, Quynh broke down other expenses involved in studying in the UK. Visa fees and health insurance total around VND 31 million, medical examination costs VND 2.6 million, and a one-way flight ticket ranges from VND 12–17 million.

“I booked with Vietnam Airlines’ Lotus Student program and got an extra 23kg baggage allowance and a 10% discount on my ticket. My round-trip flight only cost around VND 25 million. I recommend buying your ticket as soon as you get your visa for the best price,” Quynh advised.

Living costs in Nottingham are also reasonable. A single room costs about £400/month, and food expenses—mostly self-cooked—range between £100–£150/month.

Image 3: Studying abroad means learning and exploring the UK in your own way

“I live near campus so I mostly walk. A monthly bus pass is around £55, while an annual student pass is £289. For trips to other cities, I use a Coachcard to save compared to the Railcard,” Quynh said.

Essential services like train tickets and SIM cards are reasonably priced. Nottingham Trent University even supports students by providing a SIM card before they leave Vietnam, making it easier to stay connected upon arrival in the UK.

Six Months in the UK, a Lifetime of Growth

Although his time in the UK was only six months, every day in Nottingham was packed with meaningful experiences—from engaging classes with international lecturers to weekend getaways to different cities.

“From Nottingham, it’s easy to take day trips to places like Manchester, Birmingham, or Leeds. Each trip costs around £60, including transport and food. I usually visit free-entry spots like parks and museums to save money,” Quynh shared.

Image 4: Unforgettable months in the UK—memories that shaped Quynh’s youth

Quynh views the MA TESOL program as a strategic choice for anyone passionate about teaching but mindful of financial concerns. Nottingham, in his opinion, is a great place to live and study.

“On average, I spent around £500–£600 per month, which is quite affordable compared to other big UK cities. For those looking for a quality TESOL program with reasonable costs, Nottingham is a solid choice,” he said.

Upon completing the MA TESOL program at NTU, graduates receive a prestigious degree from Nottingham Trent University, one of the UK’s leading institutions. The internationally recognized qualification opens doors to various educational career opportunities. Many graduates have gone on to teach English at schools and educational institutions both in Vietnam and abroad.

Learn more about the MA TESOL program: https://thacsitesol.com/
Discover more about VNUK Institute for Research and Executive Education: https://vnuk.udn.vn/

Tien Phong Newspaper, August 2025